Trulio brings best organic products from Himalayan hills to homes

Trulio – The Food Company, a We Hub-incubated startup, was started by a passionate mother who believes in the power of natural ingredients and traditional methods to deliver the finest organic products. Its product range includes natural flavoured honey, different flavoured green tea, Indian spices and devotional products. The startup aims to offer the top quality and taste to its customers.

With a mission of drive toward healthy living by providing pure and unadulterated products, Trulio is committed to give exceptional customer service and satisfaction. In an exclusive interview, its Founder & CEO Nalini Anumakonda tells Bizz Buzz about the power of natural ingredients and traditional methods to bring the best organic products

How Trulio started as a food startup? What made you enter into this business?

I started my career as a software engineer. I wanted to start my own business which can provide pure, unadulterated products with health benefits. With an aim to drive towards healthy living, I have started Trulio in the year 2022. I have registered the company in August 2022 and started the operations from December 2022.

The company has conducted more than 65 exhibitions all around Hyderabad to create awareness about organic products. Trulio is introducing such products for the first time in South India. I am happy to share that our startup has bagged four awards in the past six months for its product quality.

The recognitions include ‘Visionary Women Awards 2023’ from WEDO in the category of ‘Aspiring Entrepreneur - Natural Food Products’, ‘Women Enterpreneur’ award 2023 in Health and Wellness category from ‘Great Companies’, The Real Superwoman Award 2023 in Food Sector, and Telangana Elite Brand Awards 2023 in Health and Wellness by Global Pinnacle.

What is the current product range of Trulio? How unique are these products when compared to regular items available in the market?

Right now, Trulio is dealing with 12 varieties of honey, four varieties of squashes made with honey, five flavoured teas, spice powders, A+ grade Kashmiri saffron and flavoured salts. Apart from these food products, it is also selling puja items and miniature toys on its platform. Each variety of honey and tea is unique, and has its own set of benefits.

Multiflora honey is sourced from the forests and hills of Himalayas. This honey is extracted from the wild flowers’ nectar in Himalayan forests. It is overloaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, flavonoids, vitamins and nutrients. It is an excellent immunity booster.

Ginger-infused honey treats cough and cold. It helps in digestion of the food. It also boosts immunity and protects heart health. Kashmiri acacia honey contains a rich amount of antibacterial, antifungal and anti-oxidant properties. This has speedy healing properties for every type of injury. It prevents bacterial and fungal infections. It is a stress reliever.

Little bee honey is called ‘Mother medicine’. It is derived from rare species of stingless bees from the lush forest of the Western Himalayas. This medicinal honey is anti-oxidant rich and builds immunity. It is a perfect honey for both kids and adults. It aids in weight-loss and also has a calming effect.

Lychee honey is extracted from lychee fields. It helps in slowing down the aging process of our skin. It contains a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin B – complex. It protects against cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Red Forest honey is procured from deep forests. It boosts the immune system. It is full of anti-oxidants. It is an anti-cancer and anti-aging product.

Clove honey is derived from the flowers of clover plants. It improves the lungs, heart and nervous system. It is a natural remedy for colds and coughs. Turmeric honey has anti-bacterial properties combined with the antiseptic nature of turmeric. It promotes healthy digestion and it has the suit effect.

Lavender honey is produced from the nectar of lavender flowers. It assists in good night sleep if taken before bedtime. It also boosts immunity. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. White honey is an anti-oxidant powerhouse. It helps in curing digestive problems, delaying aging and proves gut health.

Lemon honey is a healthy low calorie drink which increases immunity, detoxifies the body, and clears acne and sore throat. To test the purity of honey, the customers can pour it in a glass of water. If honey is pure, it will sink at the bottom of the glass as a lump or stick to the spoon when the mixture is stirred.

Among the teas, Blue tea enhances memory, aids brain health and treats anxiety. Skin Glow tea acts as an anti-aging vehicle to keep the skin fresh and glowing. Kashmiri Kahwa reduces stress and improves heart health. It detoxifies the system and youthful glow. Extrabesco tea helps in weight loss. Women Wellness tea helps in weight management and hormonal balance.

Are you planning to add more categories or products over the next few years?

Yes, we have started our journey with four varieties of honey and slowly introduced 12 varieties by last year-end. We are planning to introduce more varieties during this year.

How do you procure these food items? How many farmers are associated with Trulio?

We procure all our products from the Western Himalayas as it is well known for its vast varieties of flora and fauna. As of today, we are associated with only 15 farmers.

Do you have your own farm lands or packing units in Hyderabad or any other city? What is the current size/ capacity? Are you going to have more in the coming years?

Yes, we have a farm land in Ramayanpet, Medak district and also a packing unit in Hyderabad with a team size of 15. We are planning to extend it this year by providing job opportunities to more women as Trulio is mainly a women-oriented organisation.

Are you selling the products both online and offline? How many stores do you have at present? What are the future plans?

Our presence is both online and offline. Right now, we are available in Q-Mart Gachibowli and Banjara Hills. Our online availability is on Swiggy Minis, Emusa Sustainable, Mirchi.com and our own website Trulio.in.

How do you manage the logistics and supply chain? Have you tied up with any third-party service providers?

We deliver through Delhivery, Blue Dart, Ship Rocket and Rapido.

Are your products certified by any independent agency/ authority that they are free from harmful additives and preservatives?

Our honey is sourced from the purest hives and is available in a variety of natural flavors to suit the taste buds. Our teas are hand-picked and blended with natural flavours to create a refreshing and invigorating experience. Our Indian spices are carefully sourced from the best regions in India to bring the authentic taste of India to the homes of our customers. And our devotional products are crafted with care and devotion to help you connect with your spiritual side. We believe in providing our customers with high-quality products that are not only delicious but also beneficial for health. As we are procuring from chemical free zones, all our products are free from harmful additives and preservatives. Also, they are certified.

How affordable are Trulio products when compared to regular items in the retail market?

Trulio deals with premium products with reasonable prices as we are procuring directly from farms so that everyone can afford them.

Could you throw some light on the financials of the company?

As we are a startup company, we are going with very less margins to reach more people.

Do you have any fund-raising plans ahead to support the growth and expansion?

We are now planning to go for a loan for further expansion. Till now, I am running my company with my own savings.